Tobacco Risks & Dangers

Tobacco use in the United States is the greatest preventable cause of serious illness and death. Tobacco use harms tissues throughout the body, as seen on the list below:

The brain Nicotine is highly addictive. Use of tobacco can increase the risk of strokes.

The skin Remember the Seinfeld episode when Kramer became a smoker and then sued the tobacco industry for "disfigurement"? Tobacco smoking leads to poor wound healing, increased wrinkling, and increased risk of skin cancers.

The lungs Tobacco use is related to emphysema, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Tobacco use is related to 85% of all lung cancers.

The alimentary tract Tobacco use is related to 80% of laryngeal cancers, 80% of esophageal cancers, and 93% of oral cavity cancers.

Fetal effects The use of tobacco during pregnancy is related to increased risk of infant mortality and fetal malformation. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).